Cycling shoe with cover having closure access

ABSTRACT

A shoe including a sole for supporting a foot and an upper coupled to the sole. The upper defines an opening for receiving the foot and includes a first side panel and a second side panel movable in relation to the first side panel. The shoe also includes a closure mechanism that is coupled between the first side panel and the second side panel, and a tightening mechanism that is engaged with the closure mechanism to selectively draw the first side panel and the second side panel closer to each other and to selectively permit the first side panel and the second side panel to move apart from each other. A cover provides access to the tightening mechanism while enclosing the closure mechanism.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to cycling shoes, and more particularly toa cover for cycling shoes.

Cycling shoes can be worn by a rider of a bicycle to couple the rider'sfeet to the pedals of the bicycle. Generally, a cycling shoe includes acleat on the bottom of the sole that engages a pedal of the bicycle tocouple the shoe to the pedal. Cycling shoes typically include a closuresystem such as laces, hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro straps), aratchet mechanism, or other similar closure mechanisms to secure theshoe to the rider's foot. Some cycling shoes include covers thatcompletely enclose the closure system such that the cover must beremoved to tighten or loosen the shoe relative to the rider's foot.

SUMMARY

In some constructions, the present invention provides a shoe including asole for supporting a foot and an upper coupled to the sole. The upperdefines an opening for receiving the foot and includes a first sidepanel and a second side panel movable in relation to the first sidepanel. The shoe also includes a closure mechanism that is coupledbetween the first side panel and the second side panel, and a tighteningmechanism that is engaged with the closure mechanism to selectively drawthe first side panel and the second side panel closer to each other andto selectively permit the first side panel and the second side panel tomove apart from each other. A cover provides access to the tighteningmechanism while enclosing the closure mechanism.

In another construction, the invention provides a shoe including a solefor supporting a foot and an upper coupled to the sole and defining anopening for receiving the foot. The includes a first side panel and asecond side panel, and a closure mechanism is coupled between the firstside panel and the second side panel. The shoe also includes atightening mechanism that is engaged with the closure mechanism toselectively tighten the closure mechanism and to selectively loosen theclosure mechanism. A cover is coupled to the upper and is movablebetween an open position exposing at least a portion of the closuremechanism and a closed position covering more of the closure mechanismand at least partially exposing the tightening mechanism to provideaccess to the tightening mechanism when the cover is in the closedposition.

The upper defines an opening for receiving the foot and includes a toebox, a heel opposite the toe box, a first side panel, and a second sidepanel spaced laterally apart from the first side panel to define athroat portion extending from the toe box toward the heel and incommunication with the opening. The closure mechanism is coupled betweenthe first side panel and the second side panel. The tightening mechanismis engaged with the closure mechanism to selectively tighten the closuremechanism to narrow the throat portion and to selectively loosen theclosure mechanism to widen the throat portion. The shoe also includes acover that is coupled to the upper and that is movable between an openposition exposing at least a portion of the closure mechanism and aclosed position covering the closure mechanism and at least partiallyexposing the tightening mechanism to provide access to the closuremechanism when the cover is in the closed position.

In another construction, the invention provides a shoe including a solefor supporting a foot, an upper coupled to the sole, laces, and atightening mechanism. The upper defines an opening for receiving thefoot and includes a toe box, a heel opposite the toe box, a first sidepanel, and a second side panel spaced laterally apart from the firstside panel to define a throat portion extending from the toe box towardthe heel and in communication with the opening. The laces arealternatingly engaged between the first side panel and the second sidepanel. The tightening mechanism is coupled to opposed ends of the lacesfor increasing and decreasing tension on the laces. A cover extends fromone of the first side panel and the second side panel toward the otherof the first side panel and the second side panel and is configured tooverlap and conceal the laces while at least partially exposing thetightening mechanism to provide access to the tightening mechanism whenthe laces are concealed by the cover.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a bicycle shoe including a closure system and acover embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 1 with the cover in a securedstate.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the shoe of FIG. 2.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a cycling shoe 10 that can be worn by a rider of abicycle (not shown). While the illustrated shoe 10 is described hereinas a cycling shoe 10, the shoe 10 may take other forms (e.g., ski boots,skates, football cleats, running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes,etc.).

The shoe 10 includes a sole 15 for supporting a user's foot and an upper20 that is coupled to the sole 15. The sole 15 can be integrally formedwith or coupled to the upper 20 using any suitable method (e.g., gluing,bonding, riveting, fastening, or any suitable mechanism or combinationthereof). As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the sole 15 includes treads 25that extend from the sole 15. Alternatively, the sole 15 can berelatively flat and may omit the treads 25. Although not illustrated,the sole 15 can include an exposed or recessed cleat that couples theshoe 10 to a pedal of a bicycle.

FIGS. 1-3 show that the upper 20 defines an opening 30 for receiving auser's foot. The upper 20 includes a toe box 35, a first lateral oroutside panel 40 extending upward from the sole 15, a second lateral ormedial side panel 45 extending upward from the sole 15, and a heel 50.The toe box 35 is located at the front of the shoe 10 and connects thefirst and second side panels 40, 45. The heel 50 is located at the rearof the shoe 10 and connects the first and second side panels 40, 45 atan end of the shoe 10 opposite the toe box 35. The first side panel 40includes an inner edge or upper portion 55, and the second side panel 45includes an inner edge or upper portion 60. The upper portions 55, 60 ofthe first and second side panels 40, 45 are spaced apart from each otherto cooperatively define a gap or throat portion 65 extending from thetoe box 35 toward the heel 50 and in communication with the opening 30.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the shoe 10 further includes a tongueflap 70 and a strap mechanism 75 located outward from the tongue flap70. The tongue flap 70 has a fixed end 80 coupled to the upper 20adjacent the toe box 35, and extends toward the heel 50 to a free end 85that is opposite the fixed end 80 and that is located adjacent theopening 30. The tongue flap 70 substantially encloses the throat portion65 without covering the opening 30. The tongue flap 70 can also beattached or affixed along sides of the tongue flap 70 to the firstand/or second side panels 40, 45 adjacent the respective upper portions55, 60.

The strap mechanism 75 is defined by a boot element 90 and a strap 95that is coupled to an upper part of the boot element 90. The bootelement 90 extends upward from the upper 20 adjacent a periphery of theopening 30 and generally toward the toe box 35 over at least a portionof the tongue flap 70. As illustrated, the boot element 90 is coupled tothe upper 20 and surrounds the opening 30 above the upper 20 to protectthe user's foot and ankle.

The strap 95 extends from adjacent the upper portion 55 of the firstside panel 40 toward the upper portion 60 of the second side panel 45over the throat portion 65. The strap 95 includes a first portion 100extending from adjacent the upper portion 55 of the first side panel 40around the opening 30 adjacent the heel 50 and toward the second sidepanel 45. The strap 95 also includes a second or free end portion 105that extends from adjacent the upper portion 55 of the first side panel40 around the opening 30 adjacent the throat portion 65 and toward thesecond side panel 45. A connector 110 is coupled to an end of the firstportion 100, and the second portion 105 passes through the connector 110such that the second portion 105 extends back over the upper part of thethroat portion 65 and the second portion 105 overlays itself. The secondportion 105 is attachable to itself in any suitable manner (e.g., via ahook and loop system such as Velcro).

The shoe 10 also includes a closure system 115 that selectively drawsthe first side panel 40 and the second side panel 45 toward each otherto tighten the shoe 10 around the user's foot. With reference to FIGS. 1and 2, the closure system 115 includes a closure mechanism 120 and atightening mechanism 125 that is engaged with the closure mechanism 120.The closure mechanism 120 is coupled between the upper portion 55 of thefirst side panel 40 adjacent the tongue flap 70 and the upper portion 60of the second side panel 45 adjacent the tongue flap 70. The illustratedclosure mechanism 120 includes laces 130, although other mechanisms(e.g., hook and loop mechanisms such as Velcro, zippers, straps, etc.)are also possible and considered herein. As understood by one ofordinary skill in the art, the laces 130 alternatingly engage the firstside panel 40 and the second side panel 45 from adjacent the toe box 35toward the opening 30. In particular, the laces 130 interweave betweenthe first and second side panels 40, 45 over the tongue flap 70 andengage hooks or hoops 135 in a criss-cross pattern.

The tightening mechanism 125 is coupled to opposed ends of the laces130. Generally, the tightening mechanism 125 is adjustable so that theuser can selectively draw the first side panel 40 and the second sidepanel 45 toward or closer to each other or permit the first side panel40 and the second side panel 45 to move apart from each other via theclosure mechanism 120. The illustrated tightening mechanism 125 includesa rotatable dial or ratchet 140 that is coupled to the first side panel40 and that is adjustably engaged with the closure mechanism 120 toadjust the fit of the shoe 10 on the user's foot. In otherconstructions, the tightening mechanism 125 can be coupled to the secondside panel 45, or to both the first side panel 40 and the second sidepanel 45 depending on the type of closure mechanism 120 that is usedwith the shoe 10.

The tightening mechanism 125 receives opposed free ends of the laces130, and the tightening mechanism 125 is adjustable (e.g., rotatable) sothat tension on the laces 130 can be increased or decreased to achievethe appropriate fit of the shoe 10 on the user's foot or to permit theuser to remove the shoe 10. As is understood by one of skill in the art,the tightening mechanism 125 can utilize ridges or other similar ratchetmeans to advance or release the closure mechanism 120 as desired. Insome constructions, the tightening mechanism 125 can also include aratchet release mechanism (e.g., by reversing the rotation direction ofthe ratchet 140).

The shoe 10 also includes a cover 145 that is coupled to the upper 20.In some constructions, the cover 145 can be formed as part of the upper20. The cover 145 wraps around a portion of the upper 20 (e.g., the toebox 35, the heel 50, and one or both of the first side panel 40 and thesecond side panel 45) and can be defined as an outer flap that bridgesthe throat portion 65. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 145extends from the second side panel 45 toward the first side panel 40 toenclose the closure mechanism 120 while providing access to thetightening mechanism 125. Alternatively, the cover 145 can extend fromthe first side panel 40 toward the second side panel 45. Generally, thecover 145 overlaps the closure mechanism 120 without completelyoverlapping or enclosing the tightening mechanism 125 to protect theclosure mechanism 120 from the elements (e.g., dirt, water, debris,etc.) and to provide an aerodynamic profile for the shoe 10.

The cover 145 is movable between an open position (FIG. 1) exposing atleast a portion of the closure mechanism 120 and a closed position (FIG.2) covering at least a portion of the closure mechanism 120 and at leastpartially exposing the tightening mechanism 125 to provide access to thetightening mechanism 125 when the cover 145 is in the closed position.In particular, the cover 145 includes an aperture 150 through which thetightening mechanism 125 is exposed. The tightening mechanism 125 andthe aperture 150 have a similar shape such that the tightening mechanism125 can extend through the aperture 150 to secure the cover 145 to theupper 20 over the closure mechanism 120 when the cover 145 is moved tothe closed position. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper 20 andthe cover 145 can include respective attachment areas 155 (e.g., acooperative hook and loop system such as Velcro, buttons, snaps, etc.)so that the cover 145 can be secured to the upper 20 when the cover 145is in the closed position.

In operation, the user places their foot in the shoe 10 and uses theclosure mechanism 120 and the tightening mechanism 125 to secure theshoe 10 to their foot. When the cover 145 is in the open position, theuser can directly operate the tightening mechanism 125, and in somecases the closure mechanism 120, to tighten the shoe 10 around theuser's foot as desired. The strap mechanism 75 can be adjusted bymanipulating the strap 95 to further achieve a comfortable fit betweenthe shoe 10 and the user's foot and ankle while reducing discomfortrelative to non-adjustable strap mechanisms.

In the open position, the cover 145 defines a V-shaped opening relativeto the first side panel 45 that provides direct access to the closuremechanism 120 so that the closure mechanism 120 can be directly accessedor manipulated to adjust the fit of the shoe 10 on the user's foot. Thetightening mechanism 125 also is exposed or not enclosed by the cover145 when the cover 145 is in the open position.

In the closed position, the illustrated cover 145 overlays and concealsthe closure mechanism 120 and is looped over the tightening mechanism125. In this manner, the tightening mechanism 125 is at least partiallyexposed through the aperture 150 so that the user can access thetightening mechanism 125 to adjust the closure mechanism 120 as neededwhen the closure mechanism 120 is concealed by the cover 145. In otherwords, the tightening mechanism 125 can be manipulated to adjust theclosure mechanism 120 without having to move the cover 145 back to theopen position. The cover 145 can be further secured to the upper 20 viathe attachment areas 155.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. A shoe comprising: a sole for supporting a foot; an upper coupled tothe sole and defining an opening for receiving the foot, the upperincluding a first side panel and a second side panel movable in relationto the first side panel; a closure mechanism coupled between the firstside panel and the second side panel; a tightening mechanism engagedwith the closure mechanism to selectively draw the first side panel andthe second side panel closer to each other and to selectively permit thefirst side panel and the second side panel to move apart from eachother; and a cover providing access to the tightening mechanism whileenclosing the closure mechanism.
 2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein thetightening mechanism includes a ratchet coupled to one of the first sidepanel and the second side panel.
 3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein theclosure mechanism includes laces alternatingly engaging the first sidepanel and the second side panel, and wherein the tightening mechanism iscoupled to opposed ends of the laces to selectively draw the first sidepanel and the second side panel toward each other.
 4. The shoe of claim1, wherein the cover includes an aperture through which the tighteningmechanism is exposed.
 5. The shoe of claim 4, wherein the tighteningmechanism extends through the aperture to at least partially secure thecover over the closure mechanism.
 6. The shoe of claim 1, wherein thecover is attached to the upper at least in part by a hook and loopsystem.
 7. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the first side panel and thesecond side panel cooperatively define a throat portion in communicationwith the opening, the shoe further comprising a tongue flap positionedto substantially enclose the throat portion, and a strap coupled to theupper and at least partially surrounding the opening, wherein the strapextends from adjacent the first side panel to the second side panel overthe tongue flap.
 8. The shoe of claim 7, further comprising a toe boxand a heel opposite the toe box, wherein the strap includes a firstportion extending from adjacent the first side panel to the second sidepanel around the heel, a second portion extending from adjacent thefirst side panel to the second side panel over the tongue flap, a strapring through which the second portion of the strap extends, and a thirdportion extending from adjacent the second side panel to the first sidepanel such that the third portion overlaps and is coupled to the secondportion.
 9. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the sole is adapted to engage abicycle pedal.
 10. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the cover extends fromone of the first side panel and the second side panel toward the otherof the first side panel and the second side panel to overlap the closuremechanism.
 11. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the first side panel and thesecond side panel cooperatively define a throat portion in communicationwith the opening, and wherein the cover includes an outer flap thatbridges the throat portion.
 12. A shoe comprising: a sole for supportinga foot; an upper coupled to the sole and defining an opening forreceiving the foot, the upper including a first side panel and a secondside panel; a closure mechanism coupled between the first side panel andthe second side panel; a tightening mechanism engaged with the closuremechanism to selectively tighten the closure mechanism and toselectively loosen the closure mechanism; and a cover coupled to theupper and movable between an open position exposing at least a portionof the closure mechanism and a closed position covering more of theclosure mechanism and at least partially exposing the tighteningmechanism to provide access to the tightening mechanism when the coveris in the closed position.
 13. The shoe of claim 12, wherein the closuremechanism includes laces alternatingly engaging the first side panel andthe second side panel, and wherein the tightening mechanism is coupledto opposed ends of the laces to selectively draw the first side paneland the second side panel toward each other.
 14. The shoe of claim 12,wherein the tightening mechanism includes a ratchet coupled to one ofthe first side panel and the second side panel.
 15. The shoe of claim12, wherein the cover includes an aperture through which the tighteningmechanism is exposed.
 16. The shoe of claim 12, wherein the coverextends from one of the first side panel and the second side paneltoward the other of the first side panel and the second side panel tooverlap the closure mechanism.
 17. The shoe of claim 12, wherein thecover is formed as part of the upper.
 18. A shoe comprising: a sole forsupporting a foot; an upper coupled to the sole and defining an openingfor receiving the foot, the upper including a toe box, a heel oppositethe toe box, a first side panel, and a second side panel spacedlaterally apart from the first side panel to define a throat portionextending from the toe box toward the heel and in communication with theopening; laces alternatingly engaged between the first side panel andthe second side panel; a tightening mechanism coupled to opposed ends ofthe laces for increasing and decreasing tension on the laces; and acover extending from one of the first side panel and the second sidepanel toward the other of the first side panel and the second side paneland configured to overlap and conceal the laces while at least partiallyexposing the tightening mechanism to provide access to the tighteningmechanism when the laces are concealed by the cover.
 19. The shoe ofclaim 18, wherein the cover includes an aperture through which thetightening mechanism is exposed, and wherein the tightening mechanismextends through the aperture to at least partially secure the cover overthe laces.
 20. The shoe of claim 18, wherein the cover is attached tothe upper by a hook and loop system when the cover overlaps the laces.